30 Years Journey of Women Empowerment

Transcription

1 30 Years Journey of Women Empowerment..facilitating rural women to realise their dreams, Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh 1

2 Program Editor & Concept Dr Smriti Singh Co-editor Rewa Choubey, Karan Research, Design and Compilation Karan Year 2019, Version - 1 Typesetting Preeti Shrivastav, Karan CONTENTS 3 FOREWARD 4 EMERGENCE OF MAHILA SAMAKHYA (MS) 12 KEY ACTIVITIES OF MS UP 27 SOCIAL IMPACT MSK CASE STUDY 30 PROGRAM STRUCTURE Uttar Pradesh 2

3 Foreward I am associated with the (MS) program for last 16 years. MS program is an ideology which people internalized to change themselves and the surrounding environment. MS program consistently involved in the struggle for its expansion and stability. Often different institutions and people visit the MS program to understand and to evaluate. They often ask basic questions such as what is MS program? What is Sangha? How do they work? How does it bring empowerment? MS has some documents in unconsolidated forms which could answer some of their queries but not all. Hence, we felt a need to publish a comprehensive document which can explain the entire program to external stakeholders. However, we were in dilemma to encapsulate such a detailed program in few pages which can answer all inquisitive queries. Fortunately, we were in touch with Mr Karan (ex-kois Invest analyst) who gladly took this challenge to express MS program in form of a brief paper. After discussion with him, it was decided that an effort should be made to consolidate the journey of the entire program which can help readers to understand MS ideology to some extent. In this way, 30 Years of Women's Empowerment-..facilitating rural women to realise their dreams paper is developed. We have summarized MS efforts, challenges and achievements in qualitative and quantitative form. We have done some field visits, interview with senior staff members and referred internal documents to develop this paper. We hope that this document will help you to understand the MS program. Thank you Dr. Smriti Singh State Program Director Mahaila Samakhya, Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh 3

4 Emergence of (MS) meaning women s empowerment through education - was launched in 1989 by the Government of India with the support of Netherlands Government. In the first phase, program started in three states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka. History Providing educational opportunities to women has been an important effort in the field of education. Even after achieving these successes, gender inequalities remain a big concern in the rural areas. For the purpose of education for women's equality, the program was launched in the year 1989 in accordance with the goals of National Education Policy In rural areas especially, focusing on socially and economically vulnerable women are made as a definite goal of the MS. In 2016, Government of India had stopped the funding of the MS program nationally. They offered state governments if they want to continue the program, as result, only five states adopted the MS program out of eleven 1. In Uttar Pradesh (UP) program continued as state scheme, but in 2017 UP state government adopted MS program and run it under Department of Women and Child. 1) MS was operating in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Now, it s presence only left in Assam, Gujrat, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh 4

5 Mission Statement Objective Enhancing women's self-image and self-confidence To create an environment where women can get knowledge and information so that they can play a positive role in society To prepare a decentralized and interactive system of management To enable women associations to facilitate and monitor educational activities in the villages Providing opportunities for education of women and adolescents To get more participation of women and girls in formal and informal education programs Strategy To be Flexible about issues and approach to starting the work To prepare women and adolescent girls as a volunteer Create a favourable environment for women and adolescent girls which will help them to get recognition and autonomy Built a strong networking and coordination with government and non-government organisations Vision Giving social justice, equal rights to all marginalised rural women Uttar Pradesh 5

6 IN UTTAR PRADESH, MS IS ACTIVE IN 19 DISTRICTS Sha. Muz. MS operating in UP since 1989 Our future plan is to expand to all 75 districts of UP Prayagraj Districts Covered by MS MS State Office, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh 6

7 Why is Needed in Uttar Pradesh? 14.5% of the total cases of crimes against women reported in UP which is highest as compare to other states rapes per 100 cases were registered in UP in 2015, vs in ~200k female per 1000 girls (age of males sex ratio years) are out of of UP. 4 school in UP which is highest among all states in India. 5 is the only institution which is changing the patriarchal mindset and creating a positive environment for women in UP ~8 women are raped in UP everyday. 2 ~30 women are abducted everyday in UP 2 1) Uttar Pradesh tops the list on crimes against women in 2016, Livemint.com, 1 st Dec ) Crime against women up by 24% in UP this year, 8 raped every day, ToI 19 Apr ) On gender crime, is Uttar Pradesh the worst state?, HT, 21 st Feb ) 2011 census data 5) Uttar Pradesh registers increase in number of out-of-school children, The Hindu, 19 th Jan 2017 Uttar Pradesh 7

8 Expansion in UP Since Last 30 Years MS started its activities in 1989 with 400 villages and 4 districts, now it is active in 17,206 villages (Panchayats level) and 19 districts Initially, ~6,000 women were associated with MS which now reached more than 200,000 0, ,50,000 2,37,369 8,000 6, , ,00,000 4,000 2,000 0,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000-11,567 5, ,668 1, Villages Districts ,50,000 1,00,000 50,000-1,34,968 1,43,298 1,12,454 47,750 58,264 6,000 14, (As on Feb 2019) (As on Feb 2019) Uttar Pradesh 8

9 Journey of an Empowered Woman as Seen in MS UP Socially suppressed (i.e. widows not allowed to attend religious ceremonies), emotionally suppressed (i.e. girls are not allowed to express their views freely) & physically suppressed (i.e. husband physically assault their wives on petty issues) Shy & timid No exposure to outside world Before Mahila Samakhya Tools used Creation of a Sangha (Women Group based on mutual trust and emotions) Two way discussion on gender Gender Sensitive Approach Vocal and raising village level issues in Sangha Acquire analytical vision Become more curious about outside world After ~ 3-4 years Uttar Pradesh 9

10 Development in UP MS Starts its operations in UP Bachat Samuh (or Saving Group) Nari Adalat (Women Court) Maha-Sangha (Federations) KGBV (MSK inspired) for drop-out girls MS Prog.as it is Adopted by UP Govt. from Centre Mahila Shikshan Kendra (MSK) Sanjavini Kendra (or Health Centre) Participation in Panchayat Started Uttar Pradesh 10

11 Valuable Contributions of SPDs 1 to Strengthen Program in UP Mr Krishnavtar Pandey, Mr HC Mahajan, Ms Vimla Ramachandran, & Ms Kanchan Sinha Laid the foundation of MS UP as per the Government directives Dr Manju Agarwal Strengthened the Sangha based structures clusters and Maha-Sangha (federations) Enhanced program visibility at the state level, at national level and international level Put more focus on research and publication of documents Institutionalised MIS system Expansion of MS in new districts Ms Alka Enhanced Mahasangha visibility at state level New initiatives for economic empowerment present Ms Nishi Malhotra Strengthened the Sangha at village level using Sakhi-Sahyogini model Finalised the strategy and process structure of MS UP Expansion of MS in new Districts Networking with NGOs 1) SPD - State Program Director Dr Rashmi Sinha Popularise MS education interventions at state and national level Taking the strategy and processes of education from informal structures to formal Encourage Sangha women to take leadership role Linked Sangha with government programs and the introduction of different economic empowerment initiatives Dr Smriti Singh Successfully transferred the MS program at state level from central government and later from UP basic education dept. to Women & Child Development of UP More focus on various issues such as child rights & water Provide recognition of MS program at state level and implemented various state govt. schemes Introduction of digital tools to manage various MS activities including adoption of official domain Uttar Pradesh 11

12 Key Activities of MS UP Sangha (Women's Collective) Nari Adalat (Women Court) Sanjivani Kendra (Health Centre) Bachat Samuh (Saving Group) ~20-25 grassroot women come together in a village and form a Sangha. Such women get training in different subjects. Nari Adalat is a non-formal judicial system. It is presided over by Sangha members to address issues of violence against women through consultation. Sanjivani Kendra address health issues through herbal medicines and creating health awareness and hygiene in villages. Sangha women save small amount of money and use it for different economic activities. Uttar Pradesh 12

13 SANGHA We are so many together! Our huts are small, but there is room in our heart for many more! Song by Sangha Women Uttar Pradesh 13

14 Sangha: Women Collective What is Sangha? The village-level women s collectives, the Sanghas are the core units of the program. It is consists of women age between ~18-50 years and facilitated by a Shayogini 1 (community worker). In Sanghas, women usually share their problems and concerns, ranging from personal experiences of oppression and exploitation, unequal wages, the deteriorating environment and the unavailability of water, fuel and fodder, education for their children or themselves, their images of themselves, and their vision and dreams. Shayogini helps and guides the women to share their personal experiences and insights on the issues, analyse its causes and dimensions and arrive at a collective understanding. Collective action is followed by the group discussing the outcomes and consequences of their action and strategizing for the next step. Sangha work as a social pressure group in a village and help other women (non-sangha women) as well in & from nearby villages. Later on, adolescent girls get associated with MS program, hence, we felt a need to start Kishori Sangha (adolescent girl collective) which can provide them coaching and guidance to complete their school exams and receive training in different issues such as health and legal literacy. Kishori Sangha first started in 1997 in Pauri District (now in Uttarakhand). 1) Shayoginis are on the payroll of MS Stage 7: New & energised consciousness; Emergence of Nari Adalat, Sanjivani Kendra, Saving Group, Participation in Panchayats Stage 6: Reflection on new experience & action; felt need for literacy Sangha Formation Stage 5: Realises the need to break away the chains of oppression & subordination Stage 1: Emergence of Sangha it usually takes ~ 3-4 years to form a strong Sangha Stage 2: Sangha reflection Stage 3: New consciousness of Sangha Stage 4: Sangha brings about affirmative action; Identifies issues like lack of water, parity in wages, violence Uttar Pradesh 14

15 Key Facts: Sangha (As on Feb 2019) Sangha Historical Sangha and Kishori Sangha Expansion since 1989 Kishori Sangha Total No. of Sangha and Kishori Sangha (District Wise) (As on Feb 2019) Sangha Kishori Sanghas first started in in Pauri District with a motto of Today s girls are the hope of tomorrow Kishori Sangha ~219,000 women and ~18,000 adolescent girls are volunteer members of Sangha and Kishori Sangha respectively 1 Time to time Sangha women receive subject wise trainings in law, health, credit, herbal medicines etc. % Distribution of Issues Addressed by Sanghas 2 Enviornment & Natural Resource Mgt. 1% Accessing Govt. Schemes & Facilities 27% Voilence and Social Issues 25% Educational Interventions 13% Saving and Self helo initiatives 14% Health and Herbal Remedies 20% 1) As on Feb ) Estimates are based on annual report Uttar Pradesh 15

16 Sangha Impact: Mahila Evam Baal Adhikar Manch (Women And Child Rights Forum MEBAM) Women and child rights forum (MEBAM) project started under the direction of government order as a pilot in seven districts with the support of UNICEF on 15 Sep MEBAM forums are formed at Gram Panchayat level and chaired by the Pradhan (head of the local self-government body). Forums are constituted and run by Mahila Samakhya and Sahyoginis are the secretary of these forums. Main purpose of MEBAM forums are: To stop child marriages To establish and strengthen community, district & state level child protection system As on Dec 2018, 8761 forums are formed in 19 districts out of Sangha members play active role in MEBAM forums. Under MEBAM program, Sangha women prevented total 437 child marriages Total Constituted MEBAM Forums (Districts Wise) (As on Dec 2018) 1) Internal Report, Dec 2018 Uttar Pradesh 16

17 From Sangha to Maha-Sangha (Federations) grassroot women Village Sangha Flow of Information grassroot women Village Sangha ~2-5 Sangha (at Panchayat level) form one MEBAM ~2-5 MEBAM form one cluster ~5-10 clusters form one Maha- Sangha grassroot women Village Sangha ~20-25 grassroot women come together in a village and form a Sangha. One Sangha is active in one village only. Currently, more than 200,000 women formed ~11,000 Sangha. 2-5 villages together make one Panchayat and one MEBAM is active in one Panchayat. Currently 8761 MEBAM forums are active. Cluster discusses common issues of Sanghas. Maha-sangha work as a pressure group at block level and make strategy on different pressing issues. 1) As on Feb 2019 Uttar Pradesh 17

18 NARI ADALAT (WOMEN COURT) These Women would not look at a man when they spoke to him, but today they register cases and argue with us about legalities involved! Police Officer in UP Uttar Pradesh 18

19 Nari Adalat (Women s Court) What is a NariAdalat? Nari Adalat is the democratic, secular, non-formal system of women crime-survivors, defenders and voluntary member s body headed by women to initiate, plan advocacy and involve in mass action to address the issues of gender based violence, economic discrimination and violence primarily domestic atrocities to ensure dignity, equality and justice. Nari Adalat first started in Uttar Pradesh in Saharanpur in 1997 where violence had been taken up as a major issue with 15 cases were registered out which 8 were resolved. Belief in the inherent integrity of the statement given by the woman was the premise the Nari Adalat acted upon. These Nari Adalats provide the forum for women to access affordable justice and speedy resolution free from patriarchal bias and serve as a social space where women can speak out against violence and voice their protest traditional oppressive practices within families and communities. It is also a forum where women can express their problems without the hassle of complicated procedures and unapproachable authority NariAdalat Expansion Since (As on Feb 2019) From 1997 to Dec 2018, a total 21,429 cases were registered in Nari Adalats, out of which 15,958 cases were resolved and the remaining 5,471 are in process. 1 1) Internal Estimates Uttar Pradesh 19

20 Key Facts: Nari Adalat Total No. of NariAdalats (District Wise) Nari Adalats are active in 19 districts. Impact: 12 sample cases of domestic violence taken up by the Nari Adalat, 10 claimed there has never been a repeat incident after the adalats intervened. 1 1) Nari adalats doing wonders in districts, Times of India, 29 th April ) Internal Estimates (As on Feb 2019) 2400 Sangha women are associated with Nari Adalats as first line leadership and 1650 as second line leadership. Usually it takes ~60 days to resolve one case and cost only ~Rs.150 or $2. 2 Uttar Pradesh 20

21 NARI SANJIVANI (HEALTH CENTER) If we are not healthy then our child will not be healthy as well, and we can t give proper care to our child, this is what we have learnt here. Gudiya from Sitapur Uttar Pradesh 21

22 Nari Sanjivani (Women Health Centres) What is Nari Sanjivani? MS functionaries realised that rural women s knowledge of their bodies and their access to health services is so poor, that it becomes an impediment to their empowerment. Acute lack of access of health services in rural areas and need to restore traditional health practices led to trainings of Sangha women in herbal medicine and ultimately Nari Sanjivani formally started in in Sewapuri and Chakia Blocks of Varanasi (later Chandol). The trainings, workshops and information-dissemination in health is given entirely with a gender perspective and within the socio-culture context. This enables women to comprehend the reasons behind the neglect of their health and nutritional status. In trainings the traditional knowledge of women with regards to herbal medicines and their knowledge of local herbs was given due cognisance. After training, the women went and tried these herbal medications on themselves or prescribe to other women suffering from disease for they were learning to prepare the medicine. When these women met with success, it gave them pleasure and recognition. 1) Nari adalats doing wonders in districts, Times of India, 29 th April 2002 Sanjivani Expansion Since (As on Feb 2019) 113,514 patients are treated by Nari Sanjivani from 1998 till Feb Uttar Pradesh 22

23 Key Facts: Nari Sanjivani Total No. of Nari Sanjivanis (District Wise) Major Illnesses Observed In Sanjivani Skin Diseases 4% Piles 5% Itching 7% Others 11% Irregular Periods 4% Arthritis 18% Diabetes 2% Gas 26% Likoria 23% (As on Feb 2019) 232 Nari Sanjivanis are active in 19 districts. Total 2436 Sangha members are associated with Nari Sanjivani centers. Herbal medicines are sold at a low margin. Uttar Pradesh 23

24 BACHAT SAMUH (SAVING GROUP) In time of emergency, we used to beg moneylenders. But now our saving group have Rs.10,500 which we use to lend each other Rani from Bulandshahr Uttar Pradesh 24

25 Bachat Samuh (Saving Group) What is Bachat Samuh? felt that the lack of adequate economic empowerment from the perspective of its role in maintaining and perpetuating social inequalities, had to be addressed. MS had given the women access to education and information but they still had limited bargaining power. With improved economic status, would come better conditions at work, decision making powers within the household, and freedom from continuous debt and extreme poverty. In view of this, from August 1996 MS facilitated in the formation of Saving Groups by contributing Rs.200 per month in form grants to strong Sanghas for economic development. Later, many Sanghas-cum-saving groups have collected substantial amounts through their savings which they use for different economic activities including credit. Many Saving Groups have opened accounts in banks and take great pride in the ownership of this saving account and, for many who have hardly been out of their village, the monthly trip to the bank to deposit their amount is an adventure in itself. 388 Saving Group Expansion Since (As on Feb 2019) In Prashurampur village, 30 Sangha women bought water pipe for investment purpose at Rs.5,000 and give it to small farmers for irrigation at Rs.250 per day rent. 2 1) Nari adalats doing wonders in districts, Times of India, 29 th April ) Punji Par Niyantran, MS UP, Second edition 2015 Uttar Pradesh 25

26 Key Facts : Bachat Samuh Total No. of Saving Groups (District Wise) Saving Groups are active in 18 districts and around 20,000 Sangha women do saving and use it for different economic activities. 1) As observed in MS UP (As on Feb 2019) Economic development activities being undertaken by Saving Groups 1 : Lending money to and redeeming credit Catering Business Tent house Business Sewing/tailoring and embroidery business Dairy activities Co-operative farming Uttar Pradesh 26

27 SOCIAL IMPACT Case Study: Mahila Shikshan Kendra (MSK) पढ़ ह, ल ख ह, बकर चरइह अब म अ ग ठ कतह न गइह I shall graze my goat and study. No more thumb impressions for me NOW! 27 Uttar Pradesh 27

28 Mahila Shikshan Kendra (MSK) facilitators found it quite a task to convince the women that their innate common sense, powers of intuition and ability to see logical relationships are all elements of buddhi or intelligence. Even without being literate, they can be intelligent. Literacy is only a tool with which they can express themselves in a better way. When the MS program started in 1989, literacy was not the felt need of the women. They were interested in issues of survival drinking water, ration, getting minimum wages, minor forest produces and violence. Once the Sangha started taking shape, there was a demand for information relating to these issues. It was when women started to regularly interacted with structures of power and governance, that they began to realise the value of literacy. They needed to write applications, access official documents, maintaining records for saving groups. All these required the ability to read and write. Initially MS started to conduct literacy camps, adolescence girls camps, to expose the women to the concept of literacy and to initiate their education. A region specific curriculum was used to each district, for example in Saharanpur the curriculum as was connected to violence against women and in Varanasi to Panchayati Raj and wages. However, there is a growing demand later for a residential educational centre for women where they could learn in an environment that was free from the daily pressure of house work, child care etc. Hence, Mahila Shikshan Kendra (residential school for women) first initiated in Banda district in 1995 with two batches of 40 women each between the ages of 14 and 40 years have passed out of MSK. 30 of these have joined formal mainstream schools in Karvi in classes V and VI. As per available data, between the year 2007 to 2013, a total of 3195 girls were enrolled in MSK, and 2908 girls passed, out of which 2195 girls joined the formal mainstream schools. The MSK not only provides condensed course, but is also a holistic strategy committed to creating a cadre of educated and aware women in very backward regions where female literacy is very low and where it is difficult to find literate women to participate in education & development programs initiated by the Govt. and NGOs. 1 Govt. of India 1), 10 th Plan Document, GoI, Ministry of HRD, Dept of Elementary Education & Literacy, New Delhi Uttar Pradesh 28

29 MSK to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) After the successful running of MSK, central government adopted MSK concept in form of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) under Sarva Shikha Abhiyan (SSA) in KGBVs are residential schools like MSK at upper primary level for out of school girls belonging to disadvantaged groups such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. As of Aug 2018, 3703 KGBVs were sanctioned under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), out of which 3697 KGBVs are operational, enrolling 378,000 girls. 1 Provision has been made to upgrade the existing KGBVs at upper primary level to upto senior secondary level to ensure smooth transition of girls from elementary to secondary and up to class XII. 1 As of now, all KGBVs schools in MS districts are run by MS. However, KGBV was merged into basic education department of Uttar Pradesh, hence, gradually state govt. will take the charge of KGBVs from MS. 1 MSK MSK first started in 1995 MSK and KBBV Expansion Since 1995 in UP KGBV Central Govt. launched KGBV and authorised MS to run all KGBV in Districts where MS is present MS dissolved the MSK program due to lack of funding from State Govt. (As on Feb 2019) There is a need to adopt the gender sensitive approach of to the KGBV schools. -Recommendations of the National Consultation by NCERT (Dept. of Women Studies) 2 1) Minister of State (HRD), Shri Upendra Kushwaha in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question on 9 th Aug ) National Consultation On Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya A Visionary Initiative August 11-12, 2008, NCERT (Dept. of Women Studies) Uttar Pradesh 29

30 Program Structure Organogram Direction of Process Sanghas Support from District Resource Group, NGOs, Training Groups Support from State Resource Group, NGOs, Resource Instituions Sahyogini District Implementation Units (Coordinator, Consultants, Resource Persons, Support Staff) State Office (Project Director, Consultants, Resource Persons, Support Staff) Fund Flow Fund Flow MS UP Society Executive Committee with UP Govt, Women Activist, non-officials MS UP have 462 Sahyoginis, 16 district coordinators, 15 resource persons, 44 junior resource persons, 90 support staff Uttar Pradesh 30

31 Foundations/Development Aid Agencies Government MS Has Worked With Multiple National/International Institutions (Year ) (Year present) Uttar Pradesh 31

32 Contact Us MS UP AT A GLANCE 150 Women Courts 19 Districts 10,000 + Sangha & Kishori Sangha 220 Blocks 220,000 + women & Adolescent Girls 232 Health Centers 953 Saving Groups 627 Staff 4/13, Vishal Khand, Gomti Nagar Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India Postal Code Contact: info@upmahilasamakhya.org.in Website: Uttar Pradesh 32